NEVADA 36°28’32.5”N 114°32’18.2”W
MICHELLE MOREE (MEESH) “Most of my wandering in the desert I’ve done alone. Not so much from choice as from necessity—I generally prefer to go into places where no one else wants to go. I find that in contemplating the natural world, my pleasure is greater if there are not too many others contemplating it with me, at the same time.”—Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire i ’ ve always felt a deep connection to the desert. Its vastness, its rugged beauty, and the sense of mystery that permeates every corner fascinates me. My name is Meesh. I’m a landscape photographer who has recently made the move to the Southwest United States (after living in the Pacific Northwest for over 25 years). I’m personally driven by an insatiable passion for capturing the unique unearthly landscapes that adorn this region. Utah, Arizona, and Nevada—the desert states—hold a wealth of otherworldly formations that fascinate me. But my love for the desert runs deeper than just aesthetics; it’s the geological oddities that truly ignite my spirit. The entire states of Utah and Arizona are treasure troves of geological wonders. Their vast canyons, sculpted arches, and towering monoliths whisper stories of time and transformation. The layers of rock, shaped by ancient seas and relentless erosion, paint a vivid tapestry of Earth’s history. It was here that I realized my photographs had the potential to inspire others to step outside their comfort zones, to venture beyond the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary. But it wasn’t just the grand landmarks that fascinated me. It was the hidden gems, the lesser-known places that held a special allure. One such place was the Nevada desert, where I now reside. The fiery red sandstone formations, etched by time and the elements, stand as silent witnesses to the strangeness of our planet. Here, the rocks seem to defy gravity, taking on whimsical shapes and forms. And in this desolate corner of the Southwest, I knew I was about to embark on a journey that would test not only my skills but also my sense of exploration. The hidden badlands of Nevada beckon me with their untamed beauty, but they don’t surrender their secrets easily. These remote areas are challenging to access and navigate, requiring a spirit of exploration and a dash of determination (not to mention a good 4x4 vehicle). Undeterred, I set out, prepared to face the obstacles that lie ahead. As I set foot in this surreal desert realm, I felt a surge of excitement mixed with a tinge of trepidation. The unique geological formations scattered across the valley beckoned to me like ancient sentinels guarding secrets buried deep within the Earth. The first challenge was the terrain itself. The Nevada desert is a rugged labyrinth, with jagged rocks, narrow canyons, and twisting trails that lead to hidden pockets of beauty. I have to navigate carefully, often resorting to climbing and scrambling over boulders, feeling the rough texture of the sandstone beneath my fingertips. The sheer thrill of exploration propels me forward, my senses heightened, attuned to every whisper of the wind and every shift in the earth beneath my feet. In the hidden badlands, the geology unravels its tale. Layers of sedimentary rock stand as witnesses to the passage of time, each stratum holding fragments of ancient stories.
43
MOTHER VOLUME TWO
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease